The list of academic options at Oakland University is constantly
growing. OU currently offers more than 120 undergraduate degrees
and more than 120 graduate and certificate options. Students have
the opportunity to participate in high-level research as early as
their freshman year.

From important registration reminders to daily events, stay focused on the
finish line while getting the most out of your educational experience.
More than 200 active student organizations take learning to a new level,
while student service offices are here to help you succeed.

Over 100,000 alumni proudly call OU their alma mater. Upon graduation, you will
automatically be welcomed as a member of Oakland University's very active Alumni
Association. Alumni stay connected through networking, volunteering and mentorship
programs.

Nearly half a million people visit campus each year to explore OU's cultural icons,
such as the home to OU's founder, our very own National Historic Landmark. Be
inspired by guest speakers from around the world, or awed by artwork, student,
faculty and guest performances.

Your gift matters! Contributions from alumni and friends create
opportunities that prepare Oakland University students to be leaders.
Support the OU Fund (the area of greatest need), scholarships, athletics,
the library, Meadow Brook Hall, or one of the hundreds of other areas that
make Oakland unique.

The Grizzlies' growing Division I athletics program is a member of the Horizon
League, one of the NCAA's top performing leagues. Athletes can also be found in
dozens of club and intramural sports, or playing recreational games of disc or
ball golf on one of OU's courses.

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The Oakland University Anton/Frankel Center, located in downtown Mount Clemens.

On Wednesday morning, Sept. 22, university representatives will officially accept the keys to a 25,422-square-foot building in downtown Mount Clemens.

Generously donated by prominent investors and developers Gebran Anton and Stuart Frankel, the Oakland University Anton/Frankel Center will come to represent far more than a facility that makes a college education closer and more convenient for students in Macomb County. In fact, it will provide enrollment opportunities to many students who might not otherwise have the means to pursue an education.

Accessibility to post-secondary education is often a multi-faceted challenge, but the ability to get to school is a basic and primary consideration. Fortunately, this newest addition to the university's facilities is located on a major thoroughfare that is host to a great deal of public transportation.

In addition to classrooms and faculty and staff offices, Anton/Frankel Center will be home to student advising, academic support services and community and education outreach efforts. In short, the university is looking to provide students everything they need to make an enriching and well-advised investment in their future.

The Oakland University Board of Trustees recently approved the acceptance of a $1.58 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to renovate the facility. This convergence of private sector generosity, federal government support and the tireless work of Oakland's dedicated faculty and staff is proving that we can fulfill our civic mission even during the most challenging of times.

OU attracting growing number of top-notch scholars In recent years, Oakland University has seen a steadily growing number of gifted high school students choose to become Golden Grizzlies. One indication of this is rising average GPA and ACT scores for incoming freshmen, and another is expanding participation in the highly successful Presidential Scholars program.

J

2010 Presidential Scholars

ust six students with a high school GPA of 3.90 or greater and an ACT composite score of 31 or greater got involved in this scholarship program in 2006. For the current academic year, however, more than 125 students are participating.

These extraordinarily bright and academically gifted students, many of whom served as valedictorian or salutatorians of their high school classes, quickly become ambassadors for Oakland University.

Participants have said they love sharing their positive experiences here at Oakland when they go back to visit students at their high schools. They also impress potential donors with stories of their personal struggles and triumphs, as well as with accounts of how much their scholarships have meant to them.

The Presidential Scholars program also promotes civic engagement through a community service requirement. After a year in the program, for example, some participants volunteer to mentor a new scholar, which helps incoming students adjust more quickly to college-level expectations and campus life.

With the generous and valued support of donors, exceptional Oakland University students are taking advantage of an opportunity to build a better future themselves and fellow students. For more information on Presidential Scholars, visit the program website.

Getting to know yOU!

Editor's note: As the Oakland University community continues to grow, Points of Interest provides an excellent venue to learn about the people in it. In this edition, we'll learn more about Omar Brown-El, Director of the Center for Multicultural Initiatives.

Omar Brown-El

Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Flint, MI, where most of my family still resides.

Tell us about your family. I am married to a wonderful woman, Renee who is from Detroit, and have one son – Omar Jr., 7.

Share a fond memory or favorite aspect of OU. I really enjoy coming to work each day and working for the students and with all of my colleagues.

What's on your reading list these days?"Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." I also enjoy reading anything related to history or religion.

What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy running, reading and spending quality time with my family. I am currently training for an Iron Man competition, which is a triathlon event, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run.

Sails of Success is a new university website that offers a truly eye-opening experience relative to the many accomplishments of members of the campus community. All are encouraged to visit the site regularly, as well as to share news of additional success stories that might be featured there.

University policy updated

Important changes have been made to university policy in several areas. Those interested can review policy in detail at

New Policy:• Policy #615 – Animals in University Facilities and on University Grounds

Campus updates posted at

The POINT

Information about teaching, research and service support meetings are among recent updates made to the president's information and news site, The POINT. Those seeking information on any campus administrative issue are encouraged to contact the president's office.